Why does this calculator ask about take-home pay, not just salary?

Your take-home pay — what actually lands in your account after PAYE and UIF — is what you have available to cover debt repayments, so it's a more realistic base for an affordability estimate than gross salary. If you don't know your exact take-home pay, switch to "Calculate it from my gross salary" and we'll estimate PAYE and UIF for you.

How is take-home pay estimated from my gross salary?

We calculate PAYE using the current SARS tax brackets and rebates, and UIF at 1% of your salary (capped at R177.12/month once your salary passes the UIF ceiling). This covers PAYE and UIF only — it excludes pension fund, medical aid, and other employer-specific deductions, so your actual payslip may differ.

What affordability ratio should I use?

There's no single fixed number — 30-45% of income going toward total debt repayments is a commonly cited reference range, but actual lender criteria vary by bank, credit profile, and loan type. Adjust the ratio above to see how it changes your result; treat it as illustrative only.

Will a bank definitely approve me for this amount?

No. This calculator gives an illustrative estimate based on the income, debt, and ratio you enter — it is not a loan offer, credit quote, or guarantee of approval. Actual affordability assessments also weigh your credit score, verified payslips, other financial commitments, and each lender's own criteria, which can differ from this estimate.

What should I include as "existing monthly debt"?

Include recurring credit repayments: car finance, personal loan instalments, store account payments, credit card minimum payments, and any other loan or bond repayments. Everyday living expenses like groceries or rent are not included unless they are a formal credit agreement.

How is the maximum loan amount calculated?

We take your available monthly capacity (income times the ratio, minus existing debt) and apply the standard reducing-balance loan formula in reverse, using the interest rate and term you select, to solve for the largest principal that instalment could repay. It's the same maths used elsewhere on this site, solved backwards — from instalment to loan amount instead of loan amount to instalment.

How Much Can I Borrow? Take-Home Pay Affordability Calculator

Work backwards from your salary: enter your take-home pay (or your gross salary, and we'll estimate the tax) plus your existing debt, to see an illustrative maximum monthly instalment and loan amount — instead of entering a loan amount to find the repayment.

Illustrative only — not a lending decision

This tool applies a reference affordability ratio to your income. It is not a credit quote, pre-approval, or offer of credit, and it does not reflect any specific lender's actual criteria. Real affordability assessments also weigh your credit score, verified income, and each lender's own policy.

Your Income & Debt

How do you want to enter your income?

I know my take-home pay

Calculate it from my gross salary

Monthly Take-Home PayWhat actually lands in your bank account each month

Existing Monthly DebtCar finance, store accounts, other loan instalments

Affordability RatioCommon range: 30-45%

30-45% of income going toward total debt repayments is a common reference range — actual lender criteria vary. This figure is illustrative only.

Loan Details

Interest Rate (% per year)5% - 25%

Loan Term1-30 years

Max Monthly Instalment

R 5 000,00

At 35% of take-home pay

Max Qualifying Loan Amount

R 500 811,37

At 10.5% over 20 years

Income Breakdown

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Monthly income breakdown into existing debt, available capacity, and remaining income
Segment	Amount
Existing Debt	R 2 000,00
Available for New Instalment	R 5 000,00
Remaining Income (beyond the ratio budget)	R 13 000,00
Monthly Take-Home Income	R 20 000,00

This is an estimate only, not financial or tax advice, and we are not a financial services provider (FSP). Your actual figures depend on your lender or provider, and your personal circumstances. Results do not constitute a credit quote or an offer of credit — please consult a qualified financial advisor or contact lenders directly before making financial decisions.

How Much Can I Borrow? Take-Home Pay Affordability Calculator

Your Income & Debt

Max Monthly Instalment

Max Qualifying Loan Amount

Income Breakdown

Frequently asked questions